AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Film & Music: A major movie production is filming in Oklahoma City with streets turned into a set for Copperhead, and the Oklahoma Film and Music Office says the state’s 20%-30% cash rebates are a big reason studios keep choosing Oklahoma. Sports & Entertainment: The UFL is expanding again—Salt Lake City lands a team for 2028, joining Oklahoma in the league’s spring lineup, with games at America First Field. Local Sports Spotlight: OSU women’s basketball set its 2026-27 slate for the Coconut Hoops event, facing Washington and UMass Nov. 27-28 in Fort Myers. Pro Sports in the Spotlight: Colorado Springs will host a UFL pro football team at Weidner Field starting April 2027. Community & Youth: A new Boys & Girls Club is breaking ground in south OKC at Woodson Park, aiming to open in 2028 with arts and recreation spaces for kids and teens. Tech/Local Life: Multiple Oklahoma law enforcement agencies reported a 911 outage, with residents directed to specific backup numbers.

Heart Transplant Story: A Minnesota woman received her late daughter’s donated heart and surprised the donor’s mom in Oklahoma with a stethoscope so she could hear her daughter’s heartbeat again. SEC Football Buzz: Florida beat reporters run the Week 4 SEC pick slate, with Texas at Tennessee headlining a packed top-25 weekend. Oklahoma Sports Notes: Oklahoma DT David Stone’s knee “popped out” during practice ahead of a Georgia matchup, while Southern Arkansas men’s golf finished fourth at the NSU Men’s Golf Classic. Women’s Basketball: Tennessee’s Lady Vols are set for the Coconut Hoops tournament, with Oklahoma State also slated for the Blue Heron Division. Music & Entertainment: Garth Brooks announces three Tulsa BOK Center shows (Oct. 23-25) and Reba McEntire is reportedly set to honor Dolly Parton at the 78th Emmys. Local Culture: Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Nation Experience lands Sept. 25-27 with music, a film summit, and beauty certification. Business/Tech: PowerCompute says it completed an Oklahoma miner upgrade and ordered more Bitmain S19 XP units for added hashrate.

WNBA Culture-War Watch: Kevin Durant brushed off the Enes Kanter Freedom gender-eligibility controversy, saying “WNBA is flourishing” and pointing to growth in money and visibility. Big 12 Football: Oklahoma State opens conference play Saturday at West Virginia, chasing its first Big 12 win since 2023 after early momentum and a standout wide receiver group. Sooners vs. Georgia Preview: No. 2 Georgia hosts Oklahoma this Saturday in Athens, with Georgia’s defense praised as “fundamentally sound” and Oklahoma’s offense under pressure after slipping out of the Top 25. OU Recruiting: Oklahoma softball added 2028 outfielder Grace Tonga from Stillwater, and OU football landed 4-star linebacker Jay Schell from Georgia. Local Arts & Community: Canterbury Voices is hosting its first-ever “Big Sing” at OKC’s Civic Center Music Hall with no audition required, and Tulsa marks Route 66’s 100th birthday Nov. 11 with art, live music, and a street party. Wellness in Green Country: The Cherokee Nation’s $21M Carson Wellness Center in Stilwell marks its one-year anniversary with more than 100,000 check-ins.

Oklahoma Arts & Culture: Philbrook Museum of Art is inviting Oklahoma artists to submit work for “The Pet Project,” a juried pet-themed exhibition opening in February 2027; artists can submit one handmade piece (paintings, prints, sculptures) by Oct. 15, with Oklahoma residency required. Music & Performance: The Oklahoma City Philharmonic announced its 2026-27 Pops season, including Halloween favorites (“Music to Die For”), live movie music (“How to Train Your Dragon”), singer-songwriter night (“Ebony & Ivory”), classic rock (“The Music of the Rolling Stones”), and a finale with live Looney Tunes scores (“Bugs Bunny at the Symphony”). Community Health: Delta Dental of Oklahoma and the OKC Thunder teamed up for the Full Court Smiles clinic at Paycom Center, delivering $82,315 in free dental care to 259 third- and fourth-graders. Mentoring & Education: Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is now accepting applications for 2027 mentoring grants (up to $3,000), with a Nov. 30 deadline. Native Language & Heritage: The Choctaw Nation launched a free Choctaw language-learning app with Rosetta Stone’s Endangered Language Program, featuring culture-based lessons and community-produced media.

Oklahoma Film & Media: Polaris Films and Buffalo Roam Studios are teaming up in Bartlesville to build a repeatable independent film production model, aiming for $2 million to $4 million projects starting next year, with “Blackbird” and “Shimmer” already in development. OKC Arts & Culture: Brightmusic kicks off its 2026-27 season Tuesday with “From Vienna to Tin Pan Alley,” featuring Schubert and Gershwin plus a Young Artist Spotlight at First Baptist Church in midtown Oklahoma City. Public Art & Community Impact: A 42-foot “sound-to-light” chandelier sculpture now towers over Lake Hefner Parkway, created by 23-year-old Ian Brockwell for Hearts for Hearing’s Celebration of Sound expansion. Music in the Spotlight: West Texas singer-songwriter Solya brought her “Queen of Texas” headline tour to Pacific Electric in Oklahoma, mixing early bedroom tracks with her newer era material. Local Sports Radio: Double T Sports Network lays out live listening options for the final MLB week and key college football matchups, including Oklahoma vs. Georgia. Mentoring Grants: Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is accepting applications for 2027 mentoring grants for K-12 programs, with funding up to $3,000 per organization. Sports Biz Note: Doc Rivers is joining NBC as an NBA analyst this season after insisting he’s fully retired from coaching.

Oklahoma Film & Culture: The inaugural Broken Arrow Film Festival lands Oct. 2–3 at Regal Warren Broken Arrow, spotlighting Oklahoma and national indie filmmakers with features, docs, shorts, student work, and an “Okie Made” category. Local History: The Oklahoma Historical Society will dedicate a new marker for Craterville Park at Lazy Buffalo Cabins in Cache on Sept. 29, celebrating the 1920s family entertainment hub and its Indian Fair roots. Music: Chat Pile announced enemies in its new album “Who Loves the Sun,” a sludgy alt-rock set built around pointed, system-focused lyrics. Sports (Sooners): Oklahoma’s offense struggled in a 14-6 loss at New Mexico, with UNM’s defense keying two interceptions and holding OU to just 61 rushing yards. College Football (Big Picture): The AP Top 25 reshuffled after Week 3, with Ole Miss jumping to No. 4 and the SEC placing 10 teams in the rankings. Policy Watch: Oklahoma voters will see State Question 845 on the Nov. 3 ballot, proposing changes to the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission. Health & Law: Rep. Tim Turner says he’ll pursue a kratom ban in Oklahoma, citing addiction and health risks.

College Football Buzz: Ole Miss surged into the AP Top 5 after beating LSU 32-24, with Lane Kiffin’s Tigers slipping to No. 10; the Rebels landed at No. 4, while Texas stayed No. 1 and Georgia, Notre Dame, and Indiana rounded out the top five. OU Spotlight: Oklahoma’s offense is under fresh pressure after a 14-6 win over New Mexico, with questions about confidence and rhythm as the Sooners prep for a huge Week 4 trip to No. 2 Georgia. Local Film & Culture: The Norman Film Festival is back after a six-year break, with the Norman Film Foundation relaunching Sept. 25 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art for a screening and Q&A with Mickey Reece, kicking off monthly programming. Music Night Out (Oklahoma ties): AmericanaFest wrapped with standout sets including Lilly Hiatt and Parker Millsap at The Basement East, keeping the indie-country momentum rolling. Sports TV Guide: College GameDay is headed to Knoxville next Saturday for the Tennessee vs. Texas SEC opener, with the show starting outside Ayres Hall before moving into Neyland Stadium.

Oklahoma Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma State rolled to a 59-0 shutout over Murray State, with QB Drew Mestemaker throwing for 324 yards and five TDs and WR Justin Bowick posting a breakout 178 yards and two scores. The Cowboys’ defense also forced a brutal day for the Racers, going 0-for-12 on third downs. College Football Buzz: Week 3’s biggest headlines included Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss vaulting up the Heisman conversation after a huge win over LSU in Lane Kiffin’s return, plus Kentucky’s upset of Texas A&M and Georgia’s cruise past Arkansas. TV & Streaming Picks: Netflix’s “The Gentlemen” keeps inspiring watchlists, with roundups of similar stylish crime shows. Arts & Culture: Parkland College’s Annual Art and Design Faculty Exhibition is wrapping up soon, and a new spooky-season reading list is out for fall vibes. Music in OKC: Phil Wickham is set for a live stop at the Paycom Center.

NIL Oddity in College Football: Georgia coach Kirby Smart says WR London Humphreys’ NIL deal pays him more the more he plays special teams—so Smart keeps trying to take him off, “and it’s not working.” Big 12 Fan Conduct: Colorado State fans are accused of using offensive religious slurs toward BYU, with the Big 12 and past fines now back in the spotlight. Oklahoma Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma State rookie Carson Benge hit the Mets’ single-season rookie record with his 156th hit, turning a rough start into a tough-guy breakout. Local Classroom Tech Fight: Oklahoma parents and lawmakers push to limit classroom screens, with proposals aiming to cap elementary screen time and districts split between 1-to-1 devices and paper-first policies. Health & Consumer Watch: Parents report sudden severe rashes and burns tied to Millie Moon diapers, with hundreds of complaints listed with the CPSC. Music & Pop Culture: Sebastian Bach’s airport photos went viral, reigniting talk about how much his look has changed since his ’80s rockstar days. Sports Streaming/TV: Oklahoma’s Sooners host New Mexico in Norman (ESPN2/ESPN Unlimited), while OSU’s game vs. Murray State is streaming-only on ESPN Select/ESPN platforms.

Big Ten Spotlight: No. 19 Michigan hosts UTEP on Sept. 19 (3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network; streaming on Fubo), fresh off a Week 2 win over Oklahoma that moved the Wolverines up in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll. SEC Storylines: Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford as LSU visits Ole Miss (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC; Fubo), while Missouri finishes nonconference play at Troy (stream via SEC Network+ / ESPN+). Sooners on the Clock: Oklahoma hosts New Mexico in Norman (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2), with the Sooners heavily favored as UNM looks to keep its early momentum rolling. Local Arts & Media: Rogers State University Public Television opens a newly upgraded studio with a big LED wall and new 4K cameras—aimed at boosting student media and Oklahoma’s film/video scene. How-To for Oklahoma Hobbyists: A new guide breaks down how to make a bow from an Osage orange tree, taught by a founding member of the Oklahoma Selfbow Society. Sports on TV: Multiple listings cover Sept. 19-20 college football and other events for viewers planning their weekend.

Local Arts & Culture: The Sam Noble Museum in Norman opened “Lives of the Dead,” a Día de los Muertos exhibit running through Jan. 3, with art, crafts, music, and hands-on cultural details. Music & Live Shows: Brightmusic kicks off its 2026-27 chamber season in OKC on Sept. 22 with a program spanning Schubert, Gershwin, and more. Indigenous Arts: Cherokee Nation leaders highlight the Artist Resiliency Act, building on the Artist Recovery Act’s $4 million push for instruction, purchases, and market access. Community Events: Haskell Indian Nations University marks its centennial with a bison harvest celebration tied to homecoming weekend. Film/Art Spotlight: Mazza Museum in Findlay hosts Caldecott-winning illustrator Rebecca Kunz on Sept. 19. Sports (Oklahoma): OU returns home to host New Mexico, while OSU hosts Murray State and Tulsa hosts East Texas A&M—plus LSU’s five-set win over Tulsa keeps the volleyball spotlight on the state.

Folk & Music: Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro brought back banjo, fiddle and guitar contests at Hop Springs, expanding the 48th annual event with musicians and attendees from across the region. OU Soccer Spotlight: Kayla Keefer is lighting up the season for Oklahoma, leading the nation with 12 goals and chasing OU’s single-season record as the Sooners head to their first SEC road match. Local Arts Fundraising: The Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma is launching a facade fundraising push with “50/50 for Change,” aiming to restore the historic front and improve accessibility. Route 66 Fun in Tulsa: Tulsa’s 918 Day passport challenge returns Saturday, with a free route that lets people stamp in at 13 Route 66 stops and collect swag. Screen-Time Debate in Schools: Oklahoma parents and lawmakers are weighing limits on in-school screen time and AI use, with renewed talk of bringing back a bill after earlier efforts stalled. Health & Community: Bethany Children’s Health Center hosts an All Abilities Resource Fair featuring assistive tech and adapted sports. Policy Watch: Oklahoma’s OHCA expanded access to Brixadi for opioid use disorder, removing prior authorization barriers for SoonerCare members.

Oklahoma Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma’s Isaiah Sategna III is carrying a Bloomfield family legacy into UNM week, with his dad Mario Sategna’s New Mexico track records still standing decades later. OSU Football Focus: Oklahoma State is back in motion after its Oregon upset, and the next test is Murray State—an FCS program with a run-heavy offense and a long playoff drought. Big 12 Basketball Schedules: The Big 12 released the 2026-27 men’s slate, with Kansas opening conference play Jan. 2 vs. West Virginia and OSU starting Jan. 2 vs. Colorado, setting up early marquee matchups for Oklahoma fans. OKC Arts & Community: Mammoth Clay Company is creating handmade ceramic tiles for “Root + Wing,” a new public art installation in Oklahoma City, with the project slated for Nov. 2026. Local Entertainment: “The Traitors: New Blood” debuts tonight on NBC with a two-hour premiere, then continues weekly on NBC and streams on Peacock. Thunder Season Build-Up: OKC’s Thunder Fan Fest returns Oct. 11 at OG&E Together Square with on-court activities, interactive art, and family-friendly fun.

Music & Live Shows: Hans Zimmer is bringing “Hans Zimmer Live – The Next Level” back to North America, with U.S. and Canada dates starting Feb. 17, 2027 (presale Sept. 24; general sale Sept. 25). Local Arts & Film: Circle Cinema will host a one-night “Nope” screening Sept. 30, tied to Black Western Heritage and Tulsa Artist Fellow Adam Davis, with a slideshow and a debut of Davis-directed “American Dream” (music video). Community Events: UCO’s 109th Homecoming runs Sept. 19–26 with themed events, music, and student activities. Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma Wesleyan’s Kirk Kelley received the Robert E. “Ish” Smith Achievement Award for NAIA baseball promotion. Oklahoma Entertainment Calendar: This weekend’s big draws include OU’s return to Norman and the Oklahoma State Fair at OKC Fair Park, celebrating Route 66.

OU Sports & Music Legacy: The OU Board of Regents approved naming the Toby Keith Family Performance Center at Kimrey Family Stadium, keeping the country icon’s footprint tied to baseball training. Local Live Music: Mad N8V Guitars hosts the second annual Battle of the Bands Sept. 26 at Stilwell Rodeo Arena, with 11 groups, food, door prizes, and a finale by reigning champs Fadeaway. Community Arts: The OKC Tap Dance Festival returns with more than 40 classes, performances, and a Miss Oklahoma appearance, plus a Saturday showcase at Civic Center Music Hall. Entertainment TV Buzz: NBC’s “The Traitors: New Blood” debuts Sept. 17 with an all-civilian cast, and Alan Cumming returns as host. Oklahoma Safety (Outdoors): Oklahoma wildfire conditions remain a concern; residents are urged to use OK-FIRE and burn-ban maps and prep escape plans for pets and family. Tech/Media Business: BlackSun Private Equity named Gary Bernstein a Senior Strategic Advisor for media, content, and broadcast, as the firm expands radio holdings including in Oklahoma.

Holiday Tour Buzz: “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is back for a 20-city run, with Kurtis Blow returning and Da Brat joining as special guest MCs in D.C. and Chicago. Local Arts & Culture: Arnold’s Cafe, a French-inspired coffee shop, is set to open near OKC’s Plaza District this fall. Community Events: Coweta’s 51st Annual Fall Festival runs Sept. 17-19 with heritage-focused programming and live music. Music in Southern Oklahoma: Atoka’s Another 48 Hrs. Music Festival returns Oct. 3, featuring Wade Bowen, The Great Divide, and Belle Frantz. Mental Health Fundraiser: Atoka’s Out of the Darkness Walk is set for Sept. 19 to support suicide prevention efforts. Sports Spotlight: Tulsa will honor assistant coach John Beckley’s wife, Kayla Saager-Beckley, with helmet stickers during Saturday’s home game. College Football Update: Oklahoma WR Trell Harris is out for the foreseeable future after an injury. Food & Fun: Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway is gearing up for Sept. 18 with veteran-focused pre-race ceremonies.